Godley Head (Awaroa), Christchurch (2024) - Images, Timings

Godley Head (Awaroa), Christchurch Overview

Christchurch has always been careful of its environment and history, and the Godley Head campsite is something borne out of that concern. This area was built in 1939 to be used as a fort during World War Two. Although once boasting a staff of over 400, the Godley Head coastal defence battery closed as a military site in 1963. Many buildings have been removed, but three gun emplacements and several military buildings remain, though the emplacements are waiting on earthquake repairs.

It is a splendid place for everyone wishing to indulge in some historical camping. Unfortunately, many provisions such as bathing facilities are absent, but the government is working on the upgradation of facilities to facilitate more tourists.
Adventurous activities ranging from Mountain biking to trekking can be carried out here. The splendid views make up for the effort it takes to set up a camp here. It’s essential, however, to book a place in advance since one can stay here for a maximum of two days. The mobile coverage in the area is also satisfactory.

Things to Do

Godley Fort Heritage Walk- Be sure to go on a heritage walk of the Godley fort. Built in 1939, the fort is ranked in the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites.
Mountain Bike Trail- From the carpark at the entrance to the Military Compound, there is a mountain bike track that travels below the main road to the Breeze Col car park. From there, the Anaconda Track descends steeply to Taylors Mistake beach.
Taylor's Mistake- Nearby Taylors Mistake beach is a popular swimming and surfing spot. If you feel like playing with some water, this is a good spot to be in. Just be very aware that the entire campsite is very susceptible to bad weather and it is strictly recommended to keep away from the water if the weather worsens.
Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track- Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track passes through the campsite. It provides options for a walk around the coast or around the headland.
- From the Taylors Mistake car-park, make your way behind the beach to the start of the Pilgrims Way Coastal Track. The track offers views of places where old cave dwellings used to be built into the hillside, as well as views down to the rocks and sea below.
- Passing Boulder Bay, the track climbs up to the headland and the historic Godley Head coastal defence battery. It passes two of the first gun platforms to reach the Godley Battery Compound (currently closed due to earthquake damage).
- From here the Godley Head Gun Emplacements Track carries on around the nose of the headland, past the historic military buildings including the Battery Observation posts located at the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour.
- Good views of the city and coastline south can be had from the headland.
- There are toilets at the car park at Godley Head.
Scott's Cabin- If you’re lucky, you can even get a sneak peek inside Scott’s Cabin. Accessed from the historic military compound on Godley Head which has a fascinating collection of buildings and bunkers, this small hut on Godley Head has ties to Robert Falcon Scott’s failed Antarctic Terra Nova expedition of 1910-1913. While the inside is not open to the public, you can walk on the viewing platform on the roof or peer in through the windows to see the interior. There is interpretation on site about the history of the Cabin.

Tickets and Pricing

The ticket pricing and booking charges are as follows:

Adult (18+ years): 15 NZD per night
Child (5 - 17 years): 7.50 NZD per night
Infant (0 - 4 years): Free

How To Reach Godley Head (Awaroa)

The Godley Campsite is not far from the main suburbs of Christchurch.
From the suburbs of Sumner in Christchurch, follow Wakefield Ave which later becomes Evans Pass Road for 3.5 kilometres.
Turn left onto the Summit Road and follow the winding, sealed road for 6.5 kilometres.
The area can be accessed from Lyttelton via Evans Pass and the Summit Road to Godley Head